Jan‑Krzysztof Duda, born April 26 1998 in Kraków, Poland, became a grandmaster at age 15 and quickly claimed his place among the world’s elite. He is perhaps best known for winning the 2021 FIDE World Cup — famously defeating Magnus Carlsen in the semi‑finals — and for his daring, tactical playing style. More recently he secured a runner‑up spot at the 2025 SuperUnited Croatia Rapid & Blitz, trailing Carlsen by just 1.5 points, underscoring his sharp form in faster formats. As of mid‑2025, Duda’s classical rating hovers around 2725, placing him at #24 in the world. With his aggressive, inventive openings and a string of top‑tier results across classical, rapid and blitz, Duda remains Poland’s top player and a genuine global contender on all fronts.